A researcher found a positive correlation between income and job satisfaction in a sample of one hundred adults. The researcher should conclude
A) higher income causes job satisfaction.
B) job satisfaction causes higher income.
C) there is a third variable that causes both job satisfaction and income.
D) that any of the above may be correct, but he cannot tell which.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Correlation does not imply causation. The positive correlation between income and job satisfaction only indicates that as one variable increases, so does the other. It does not determine whether one causes the other or if a third variable influences both. Therefore, without further investigation, the researcher cannot conclude the exact nature of the relationship.

A Researcher Found a Positive Correlation Between Income and Job